MEAC

Terry Sims the man for Bethune-Cookman

/ J Bell / Leave a comment

TSimsDAYTONA BEACH — Bethune-Cookman University introduced Terry Sims as its new head football coach five years and one day after naming Brian Jenkins, whom Sims replaced, to the same position.

Sims served on Jenkins’ staff as assistant head coach, safeties coach and special teams coach for the past five seasons. Perhaps more importantly, Sims was regarded as the stabilizing agent in the BCU program over that same timeframe.

Director of Athletics Lynn Thompson stated “as we began our process of where do we go from here, we had to take stock in several things. We had to make sure we turned over every stone. We are not looking to become champions. We are champions.” (With that thought in mind,) “we saw best to stay in house. We looked to the rock of the program over the last four or five years, and it is my pleasure to introduce to you the new head football coach at Bethune-Cookman University, Mr. Terry Sims.”

“I’m bubbling right now” Sims stated. “It’s a great Christmas gift and I can’t wait to get going.”

The new head coach mentioned many aspects of the program would remain the same. “Coach Jenkins (and I) sat in that building with a bunch of men in 2010 and laid a plan, we worked the plan, and the plan has been successful. Why change?”

However, Sims did state, “I will be different from Coach Jenkins (in some aspects). I’m a people person so we will be different in that sense.” Sims also went on to state the offense would speed up and be more wide open under his reign.

One difference for sure between Sims and Jenkins will be the level of external expectations from Day One. Over the past five years, the Wildcats:

  • have become a perennial Top 25 FCS program,
  • have won at least a share of 4 MEAC titles, and
  • have made three FCS playoff appearances.

BCU fans expect Sims to win immediately and to build on the success of the past five seasons. Sims took his first major step in ensuring the Wildcats’ continue their winning ways by keeping the majority of the coaching staff intact. Sims confirmed Yogi Jones (defensive coordinator), Jim Pry (offensive coordinator), Terry Williams (defensive backs), Lawal McCray (assistant head coach and tight ends), Earl Lane (defensive line), John Powers (offensive line) DJ McCarthy (player personnel), and Carl Franks (running backs) will all return to the BCU sidelines next season.

Coach Sims is a native of Jesup, Georgia and is the 17th head coach in program history. He played collegiately for Knoxville College. Previous coaching stops include:

1994 Linebackers (Student Assistant), Knoxville
1995-96 Defensive Backs (Graduate Assistant), Louisville
1997-99 Running Backs/Recruiting Coord., Austin Peay
2000 Defensive Backs/Recruiting Coord., Texas Southern
2001-03 Asst. Head Coach/Defensive Backs, Texas Southern
2004 Defensive Backs/Special Teams, Prairie View A&M
2005-06 Cornerbacks, UL-Lafayette
2006-09 DBs/Special Teams/Recruiting Coord., Howard

 

Congratulations to Mrs. Emma Price on winning (2) 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic Tickets

/ D Will / Leave a comment

Congratulations to Mrs. Emma Price of Daytona Beach on winning the Hailwildcats.com BCU vs Norfolk State “Watch Party” Raffle for (2) 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic Tickets. If you missed the past raffle, you have another opportunity this week, details below!  Congrats again Mrs. Emma Price!BCU HU

Hailwildcats.com will host a WILDCATS “LETS GO” Watch Party on Thursday November 13th, 2014 starting at 7 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Pirates of Hampton University on ESPNU. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREEN” of Buffalo Wild Wings at 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd  Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

10801844_758916190854690_4672741216347505240_n

If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see

“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”

We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($54.00 value) to the 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 @ 2pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday November 15th, 2014. You may pre purchase raffle tickets below:

paypal_buynow (1) Raffle Ticket $5.00

 

 

paypal_buynow(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00

 

JOIN US FOR FOOTBALL, FOOD, and FUN!

Buffalo Wild Wings
2479 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fl 32114

We look forward to seeing you there! Kickoff at 7:30 P.M.

 

Hailwildcats.com WILDCATS “LETS GO” WATCH PARTY Nov. 13th, 2014 @ 7p.m. (Buffalo Wild Wings Daytona Beach, Fl)

/ D Will / Leave a comment

CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!!BCU HU

Hailwildcats.com will host a WILDCATS “LETS GO” Watch Party on Thursday November 13th, 2014 starting at 7 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Pirates of Hampton University on ESPNU. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREEN” of Buffalo Wild Wings at 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd  Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

10801844_758916190854690_4672741216347505240_n

If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see

“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”

We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($54.00 value) to the 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 @ 2pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday November 15th, 2014. You may pre purchase raffle tickets below:

paypal_buynow (1) Raffle Ticket $5.00

 

 

paypal_buynow(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00

 

JOIN US FOR FOOTBALL, FOOD, and FUN!

Buffalo Wild Wings
2479 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fl 32114

We look forward to seeing you there! Kickoff at 7:30 P.M.

 

Hailwildcats.com WILDCATS “LETS GO” WATCH PARTY Nov. 6th, 2014 @ 7p.m. (Buffalo Wild Wings Daytona Beach, Fl)

/ D Will / Leave a comment

CALLING ALL WILDCAT NATION!!!!!

10173685_4773331029342_6501135014572887901_nHailwildcats.com will host a WILDCATS “LETS GO” Watch Party on Thursday November 6th, 2014 starting at 7 p.m. EST when our Mighty Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University take on the Spartans of Norfolk State University on ESPNU. The game will air live on the “BIG SCREEN” of Buffalo Wild Wings at 2479 W. International Speedway Blvd  Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

If you are in the Daytona area, put on your Maroon and Gold and come out and share with the Wildcat Nation in this momentous and joyous occasion and see

“Who will ascend to the top of the mountain?”

We will hold a raffle for (2) Tickets ($54.00 value) to the 2014 Florida Blue Florida Classic which will be held on Saturday November 22, 2014 @ 2pm in the newly remodeled Citrus Bowl. To enter, tickets are One (1) for $5.00 or Three (3) for $10.00, the winner will be announced on Hailwildcats.com on Saturday November 8th, 2014. You may pre purchase raffle tickets below:

paypal_buynow (1) Raffle Ticket $5.00

 

 

paypal_buynow(3) Raffle Tickets $10.00

 

JOIN US FOR FOOTBALL, FOOD, and FUN!

Buffalo Wild Wings
2479 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fl 32114

We look forward to seeing you there! Kickoff at 7:30 P.M.

 

Updated: $65 Roundtrip on HAILWILDCATS.COM Fan Bus to South Carolina State, October 25th, 2014, $80 w/ Game Ticket!

/ D Will / Leave a comment

Greetings BCU Fans!

You are cordially invited to hop onboard the HailWildcats.com ‘Road to the Championship’ Fan Bus as we support our team in their quest to have another successful season. Our Fighting Wildcats will travel to Orangeburg, South Carolina (Oliver C. Dawson Stadium) on Saturday October 25th, 2014  to take on South Carolina State University Bulldogs, kickoff at 1:3o p.m.

Forget about parking and having to walk long distances, for the low rate of $80.00  you will be guaranteed transportation to and from the game and a game ticket. If you already have a game ticket, you can secure your transportation to and from South Carolina St. Oliver C. Dawson Stadium  for just $65.00.

The bus will make a pickup at the Home Depot on Lee Rd in Orlando at 3:00 am, then depart Daytona Beach at 4:00 a.m., make a pickup in Jacksonville, Fl at 5:30 am, we will stop for breakfast in Georgia, and then arrive at South Carolina St. Oliver C. Dawson Stadium around 11:30 am. We will depart for Florida 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game and make a stop for dinner.

Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis. No seats are guaranteed until final payment has been received. All sales are final!

We encourage the use of PayPal for a fast, safe, and convenient method of securing your seat. We have attached the PayPal links/options below for your convenience. You do NOT need a PayPal account to complete your transaction. If you prefer to pay with cash or with Credit/Debit card in person or over the phone, please coordinate with Jerry Bell or Darold Williams at the numbers below. Checks will NOT be accepted.

Seats are filling up quickly, so be sure to lock yours in today.

PICKUP LOCATIONS:

ORLANDO, FL- Home Depot- 3:00 AM 5351 Diplomat Cir, Orlando, FL 32810

DAYTONA BEACH, FL –Bethune Cookman University -4:00 AM   Between the Facilities building and the Band Hall

JACKSONVILLE, FL – LaQuinta Inn- 5:30 AM  812 Dunn Ave, Jax, FL 32218

If you have any questions, please call or text Jerry Bell at 407-494-5302  or Darold Williams at 904-351-8381.

Hail Wildcats!
___________________________________________________________________

1-Bus Seat to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC  (Transportation Only Option)
paypal_buynow $65.00
 
or
 
1-Bus Seat & Game Ticket to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC
paypal_buynow $80.00
 
 
2-Bus Seats to BCU vs  South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC (Transportation Only Option)
 paypal_buynow $130.00
 
or
 
2-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC
 paypal_buynow $160.00
 
3-Bus Seats to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC (Transportation Only Option)
paypal_buynow $195.00
 
or
 
3-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium- Orangeburg, SC
paypal_buynow $240.00
 
 
4-Bus Seats to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Orangeburg, SC(Transportation Only Option)
paypal_buynow $260.00
 
 or
 
4-Bus Seats & Game Tickets to BCU vs South Carolina St. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium Orangeburg, SC
paypal_buynow $320.00
 
 
 
       

Defensive end Williams following in his dad’s footsteps at Bethune-Cookman | News-JournalOnline.com

/ J Bell / Leave a comment
image

Erik Williams

http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20140910/SPORTS/140919926/1001?Title=Defensive-end-Williams-following-in-his-dad-8217-s-footsteps-at-Bethune-Cookman

DAYTONA BEACH — Defensive end Erik Williams knew what to expect when he signed with Bethune-Cookman five years ago. He would be compared to his father.But he was used to it. The same thing happened when he played at Stranahan High School in Sunrise, west of Fort Lauderdale. And if the 6-3, 270-pound Williams is lucky enough to get a chance to play pro ball, he knows it will happen again.Erik’s father, Lee Williams, was a star defensive end at Stranahan and B-CU and went on to become an All-Pro in the NFL, where he played 10 seasons with the San Diego Chargers and Houston Oilers (1984-93) and accumulated 82.5 sacks, registering double-digit sack totals four times.“Everyone wants to be just like their father,” Erik said, shrugging off any suggestion that following in Lee’s very substantial footsteps has ever been a burden.“People always tell me he was better than me,” Erik laughs.

Continue… http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20140910/SPORTS/140919926/1001?Title=Defensive-end-Williams-following-in-his-dad-8217-s-footsteps-at-Bethune-Cookman

B-CU predicted to finish atop the MEAC

/ J Bell / 1 Comment

????????Norfolk, VA—The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) unofficially kicked off its 2014 football season at this past Friday’s Annual Press Luncheon. To the surprise of few, the league’s coaches and sports information directors predicted Bethune-Cookman would defend their crown and finish the season atop the league standings.

Under the guidance of fifth year head coach Brian Jenkins, the Wildcats have established themselves as a perennial MEAC power and FCS Top 25 program. BCU enters the season looking for its third consecutive MEAC crown and seventh (7th) MEAC title overall.

2013 Co-Champions, South Carolina State, were predicted to finish 2nd in the league. North Carolina A&T, Howard, and Delaware State round out the Top 5.

Four Bethune-Cookman student-athletes received First Team All-MEAC recognition, two more were named to the All-MEAC Second Team, and one Wildcat picked up Third Team honors. Howard quarterback Greg McGee was selected as Offensive Player of the Year while Norfolk State linebacker/defensive end Lynden Trail picked up Defensive Player of the Year honors.

BCU will kickoff the 2014 campaign in South Florida on August 30th against in-state foe Florida International. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM.

2014 Predicted Order of Finish

(First Place Votes in Parenthesis)

School Points

1. Bethune-Cookman 487

2. South Carolina State 457

3. North Carolina A&T 338

4. Howard 309

5. Delaware State 229

6. Norfolk State 225

7. Hampton 200

8. North Carolina Central 187

9. Morgan State 148

** Florida A&M and Savannah State are not eligible for post season competition therefore is not listed on the above prediction order

2014 Football All-Conference Preseason Teams

Offensive Player of the Year: Greg McGhee, Howard Defensive Player of the Year: Lynden Trail, Norfolk State

Name School Hometown
QB Greg McGhee Howard Pittsburgh, Pa.
RB Tarik Cohen N.C. A&T Bunn, N.C.
RB Anthony Philyaw Howard Los Angeles, Ca.
WR Milton Williams III Delaware State Washington, D.C.
WR Desmond Lawrence N.C. A&T Durham, N.C.
TE Kris Drummond Savannah State Washington D.C.
C Andrew Edouard   Bethune-Cookman Philadelphia, Pa.
OL Domanic Wilson r-Sr. S.C. State Lake City, S.C.
OL Willie Robinson r-Sr. N.C A&T Clinton. Md.
OL Darren Pinnock Morgan State Miami, Fla
OL Devin Flowers r-Sr. S.C. State Charlotte, N.C.
OL Toree Boyd Howard Miami, Fla.
DEFENSE
Name School Hometown
DL LeBrandon Richardson   Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
DL Miles Grooms Hampton Richmond, Va
DL Alex Glover S.C. State Charlotte, N.C.
DL Andrew Carter S.C. State Hamlet, N.C.
LB Lynden Trail r-Sr. Norfolk State Miami, Fla.
LB D’Vonte Grant North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
LB Tavarus Dantzler   Bethune-Cookman Homestead, Fla.
DB Darrin Marrow r-Sr. Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
DB Cameron Alston r-Sr. Howard North Augusta, S.C.
DB Mike Jones N.C. Central Baltimore,Md.
DB Marquis Drayton   Bethune-Cookman Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
P Lawrence Forbes r-So. Morgan State Upper Marlboro, Md.
PK Anthony Prevost r-So. Hampton Chesterfield, Va.
RS Adrian Wilkins r-Jr. N.C. Central Forest City, N.C.

 

Second Team
OFFENSE
Name School Hometown
QB Quentin Williams r-Sr. Bethune-Cookman Tampa, Fla.
RB Lamont Brown III r-So. Morgan State Suffolk, Va.
RB Justin Taylor r- Jr. S.C. State Atlanta, Ga.
WR Joseph Cervalo r-Sr. Delaware State Venice
WR Thomas Martin r-So. Morgan State Naples, Fla.
TE* James Lynch r-Jr. Norfolk State Darby, Pa.
TE* Temarrick Hemingway r-Jr. S.C. State Loris, SC
C Ronald Canty r-Sr. N.C. A&T Chester, S.C.
OL John Smith r-Jr. Howard Atlanta. Ga.
OL Jerron Searles Delaware State Atlantic City, N.J.
OL Keonte Cash Florida A&M Miami, Fla.
OL Justin Myler r-Sr. Norfolk State Woodbridge, Va.
OL Chris Pressley N.C. Central Upper Marlboro, Md.
DEFENSE
Name School Hometown
DL Rodney Gunter Delaware State Lake Hamilton, Fla.
DL Damon Gresham-Chisolm Howard Covington, GA
DL Ronnie Barrow   Bethune-Cookman
DL

DL

 Demarco Bisbee

Javon Hargrave

 r-Jr.

  		•  Morgan State

    S.C. State

    		 Lansing, Mich.

    Salisbury, NC
    LB Joshua Thorne Hampton Oxon Hill, Md.
    LB Cody Acker Morgan State Landover, Md.
    LB Marquis Smith Savannah State Prince Georges County, Md.
    DB Khambrel McGee Hampton Miami, Fla.
    DB Devonte Johnson Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
    DB Tony McRae N.C. A&T Laurinburg, N.C.
    DB* Patrick Aiken r-So. Florida A&M Pembroke Pines, Fla.
    DB* Keenan Lambert r-Sr. Norfolk State Norfolk, Va.
    P Christian Faber-Kinney r-So. Hampton Williamsburg, Va.
    PK Chase Varnadore Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla.
    RS Tony McRae N.C. A&T Laurinburg, N.C.
    Third Team
    OFFENSE
    Name School Hometown
    QB Damien Fleming Florida A&M Jacksonville, Fla.
    RB Jorrian Washington r-Sr. Hampton Los Angeles, Ca.
    RB Dae-Hon Cheung Delaware State Coatesville, Pa.
    WR DennisRowe r-Sr. S.C. State Columbia, S.C.
    WR Jhomo Gordon   Bethune-Cookman Palm Bay, Fla.
    TE

    TE*

    		 Nathan Scruggs

    Nate Ingram

    		 r-Jr.

    Graduate

    		 N.C. Central

    Howard

    		 Jacksonville, Fla.

    Sicklerville, N.J.
    C Erick Dickerson r-So. S.C. State Goose Creek, SC
    OL Mike Phillips Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
    OL Clevonne Davis N.C. Central Miramar, FL
    OL Afolabi Ayangbayi Savannah State Union, NJ
    OL Ryan Templeton Florida A&M Chicago, Ill
    DEFENSE
    Name School Hometown
    DL Michael Neal N.C. A&T Greensboro, N.C.
    DL Daniel Pinnix N.C. A&T High Point, N.C.
    DL Deon King Norfolk State Reston, Va
    DL George Riddick Norfolk State Suffolk, Va.
    LB Justin Hughes S.C. State Virginia Beach, Va.
    LB Marcell Coke Norfolk State Orlando, Fla.
    LB Justin Dixon Savannah State Duluth, Ga.
    DB Ronald Robinson Delaware State Jersey City, N.J.
    DB Julien David Howard Coral Springs, FL
    DB Ryan Smith r-So. N.C. Central Upper Marlboro, Md.
    DB

    DB

    P

    		 Greg Brown

    DeShaun Summers

    Domnic Frescura

    		 Savannah State

    Morgan State

    N.C. A&T

    		 Tucker, Ga.

    Hampton, ­Va.

    South Pasadena, CA
    PK Cody Jones N.C. A&T Gastonia, N.C.

     

    Jenkins tabbed MEAC Coach of the Year; 12 @BCUGridiron athletes earn All-MEAC honors

    / J Bell / Leave a comment

    SONY DSCNorfolk, VA – Fourth-year head coach Brian Jenkins of Bethune-Cookman was selected for his third Coach of the Year honor.  Jenkins led the Wildcats to a 7-1 MEAC mark and a 10-2 overall record.  The Wildcats defeated Florida A&M, 29-10, to clinch a share of the conference’s regular season title and secure the MEAC’s automatic berth to the NCAA Division I (FCS) Championships. The Wildcats are currently ranked 12th in both the Sports Network’s FCS and FCS Coaches Poll.  He has led Bethune-Cookman to three MEAC titles in four years and fell just one game shy of back-to-back undefeated MEAC finishes.

    Howard quarterback Greg McGhee was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Year and Joe Thomas of South Carolina State earned the Defensive Player of the Year honors, as voted on by the MEAC’s head football coaches and sports information directors.

    North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen earned the Rookie of the Year award and Tristan Bellamy, of S.C. State, was selected as Offensive Lineman of the Year.

    Junior Greg McGhee led the MEAC in total offense (272.9 avg./g) and ranked second in passing yards per game (198.2 avg./g).  He completed 228 passes on 385 attempts (59%) with 16 touchdowns in 12 games this season. He also finished the season ranked third in the MEAC in rushing with 896 yards (74.7 avg./g), on 157 attempts, and three touchdowns.  McGhee ranks 19th in the nation in total offense and 31st in completions per game (19). He earned conference Offensive Player of the Week accolades twice this season. McGhee is the tenth Bison to earn the conference’s Offensive Player of the Year honor and first since Ted White in 1996.

    Joe Thomas recorded 116 total tackles, 84 solo, with a conference-best 19 tackles for a loss during the 2013 campaign.  Thomas collected 7.5 sacks, sixth in the MEAC, with one interception, five breakups, five hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to help the Bulldogs finish as the nation’s No. 1 rushing defense (80.5 avg./g) and No. 2 scoring defense (14.0 avg./g).  Thomas earned Defensive Player of the Week honors once this season and is currently listed on the Sports Network’s Buck Buchannan Award watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) defensive player.  Thomas becomes the 13th Bulldog to earn the conference’s top defensive award, however he is only the second to have been selected in more than 10 years (David Erby 2010).

    As a freshman, North Carolina A&T’s Tarik Cohen led the MEAC in rushing, averaging 104.4 yards per game (,) on 195 attempts with eight touchdowns.  He earned the conference’s Offensive Player of the Week accolades three times and Rookie of the Week honors twice this season.  A native of Bunn, North Carolina, Cohen became the first freshman in North Carolina A&T State history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.  Cohen’s is currently listed on the Sports Network’s Jerry Rice Award watch list, which recognizes the nation’s top FCS freshman.  Cohen is just the second Aggie to be named Rookie of the Year.  He joins the school’s all-time rushing leader, Mike Mayhew, who earned the honor in 2009.

    Tristan Bellamy aided a dominating Bulldog offense that accounted for 4,101 yards of total offense ,  including 2,000 yards on the ground.  Behind Bellamy’s blocking S.C. State finished second in the MEAC in scoring offense (29.6 ppg), and third in total offense (341.1 avg./g).  Bellamy earned the conference’s Offensive Lineman of the Week honor twice this season.  Bellamy is the sixth Bulldog to earn Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades.

    South Carolina State led all schools with 13 student-athletes recognized on the three MEAC post-season teams.  The Bulldogs have five student-athletes earn first-team honors, in addition to two-of-four top awards.

    Bethune-Cookman finished close behind with 12 student-athletes to earn post–season honors, in addition to five first-team selections.

    Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) – 2013 Football All-Conference Teams

    Offensive Player of the Year: Greg McGhee, Howard
    Defensive Player of the Year: Joe Thomas, South Carolina State
    Offensive Lineman of the Year: Tristan Bellamy, South Carolina State
    Rookie of the Year: Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T
    Coach of the Year: Brian Jenkins, Bethune-Cookman

     First Team

    Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
    QB Greg McGhee Jr. Howard Pittsburgh, Pa.
    RB Tarik Cohen Fr. North Carolina A&T Bunn, N.C.
    RB Rolandan Finch Grad. Norfolk State New Albany, Ind.
    WR Tyler McDonald Sr. South Carolina State Summerville, S.C.
    WR Milton Williams III Jr. Delaware State Upper Marlboro, Md.
    TE Joseph Hawkins r-Sr. Norfolk State Chicago, Ill.
    C Andrew Edourad Jr. Bethune-Cookman Philadelphia, Pa.
    OL Karim Barton Sr. Morgan State Los Angeles, Calif.
    OL Alex Monroe Sr. Bethune-Cookman Jacksonville, Fla.
    OL Domanic Wilson r-So. South Carolina State Lake City, S.C.
    OL Rashard Brown Sr. Bethune-Cookman Kissimmee, Fla.
    DEFENSE        
    Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
    DL Miles Groom So. Hampton Richmond, Va.
    DL Andrew Carter r-Jr. South Carolina State Hamlet, N.C.
    DL Alex Glover Jr. South Carolina State Charlotte, N.C.
    DL Rodney Gunter Jr. Delaware State Haines, Fla.
    LB Lynden Trail r-Jr. Norfolk State Miami, Fla.
    LB Jarkevis Fields Sr. Bethune-Cookman Samford, Fla.
    LB Joe Thomas r-Sr. South Carolina State Blackville, S.C.
    DB Nick Addison Jr. Bethune-Cookman Tampa, Fla.
    DB Darrin Marrow r-Jr. Norfolk State Virginia Beach, Va.
    DB Justin Blake r-Sr. Hampton Piscataway, N.J.
    DB Ademola Olatunji Jr. Howard Riverdale, Md.
    P Lawrence Forbes r-Fr. Morgan State Upper Marlboro, Md.
    PK Anthony Prevost Fr. Hampton Chesterfield, Va.
    RS Adrian Wilkins r-So. North Carolina Central Forest City, N.C.

    Second Team

    Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
    QB Cory Murphy Sr. Delaware State Sunnyvale, Calif.
    RB Isidore Jackson Sr. Bethune-Cookman Mossy Head, Fla.
    RB Anthony Philyaw Fr. Howard Redondo Beach, Calif.
    WR Eddie Poole Grad. Bethune-Cookman Belle Glade, Fla.
    WR Simon Heyward Sr. Savannah State Savannah, Ga.
    TE Kris Drummond Jr. Savannah State Washington, D.C.
    C Tristan Bellamy r-Sr. South Carolina State Johnston, S.C.
    OL William Robinson r-Jr. North Carolina A&T Clinton, Md.
    OL Nathan Isles Sr. North Carolina A&T Atlanta, Ga.
    OL Darren Pinnock Jr. Morgan State Miami, Fla.
    OL Kory Alpichi Jr. Hampton Winchester, Calif.
    DEFENSE        
    Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
    DL Dyron Dye Grad. Bethune-Cookman Sanford, Fla.
    DL Javon Hargrave So. South Carolina State Salisbury, N.C.
    DL LeBrandon Richardson Jr. Bethune-Cookman Miami, Fla.
    DL Deon King So. Norfolk State Reston, Va.
    LB D’Vonte Grant Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
    LB Delbert Tyler Sr. Hampton Monroeville, Pa.
    LB Tazmon Foster Sr. North Carolina Central Henderson, N.C.
    DB D’Vonte Graham Sr. North Carolina A&T Tallahassee, Fla.
    DB Michael Jones Fr. North Carolina Central Baltimore, Md.
    DB Kimario McFadden Sr. South Carolina State Riverdale, Ga.
    DB Carvin Johnson Sr. Hampton New Orleans, La.
    P Christian Faber-Kinney r-Fr. Hampton Williamsburg, Va.
    PK Nick Belcher r-Sr. South Carolina State Sumter, S.C.
    RS* Tubotein Taylor Sr. Morgan State Anaheim, Calif.
    RS* D’Vonte Graham Sr. North Carolina A&T Tallahassee, Fla.

    Third Team

    Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
    QB Richard Cue r-Sr. South Carolina State Florence, S.C.
    RB Lamont Brown r-Fr. Morgan State Suffolk, Va.
    RB Justin Taylor r-Sr. South Carolina State Atlanta, Ga.
    WR Antwon Chisholm Sr. Hampton Belle Glade, Fla.
    WR* Lenworth Lennon r-Jr. Florida A&M Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
    WR* Malik Golson r-Fr. Delaware State Smyrna, Del.
    TE Termarrick Hemingway r-So. South Carolina State Loris, S.C.
    C Joshua Matthews Sr. Howard Bowman, S.C.
    OL Toree Boyd Fr. Howard Miami, Fla.
    OL Deonta Allen-Wright r-So. Howard Midolthian, Va.
    OL Blake Matthews r-Sr. Norfolk State Manassas, Va.
    OL Anthony Kibler Jr. Bethune-Cookman Belle Glade, Fla.
    DEFENSE        
    Pos. Name Cl. School Hometown
    DL Tyree Hearn Sr. North Carolina A&T Durham, N.C.
    DL Damon Gresham Chisholm So. Howard Covington, Ga.
    DL George Riddick Jr. Norfolk State Suffolk, Va.
    DL Tevin Toney Sr. Bethune-Cookman Sebring, Fla.
    LB Marquis Smith So. Savannah State Prince Georges County, Md.
    LB Cody Acker Jr. Morgan State Greenbelt, Md.
    LB Ernest Adjei Sr. Delaware State Woodbridge, Ga.
    DB Terrick Colston So. Delaware State Lakeland, Fla.
    DB Travis Crosby Sr. North Carolina A&T Charlotte, N.C.
    DB John Wilson Sr. Savannah State Athens, Ga.
    DB* Tim Burke Sr. Bethune-Cookman Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
    DB* Patrick Aiken r-So. Florida A&M Miramar, Fla.
    P Oleg Parent Jr. North Carolina Central Lake Forest, Calif.
    PK Cody Jones Fr. North Carolina A&T Gastonia, N.C.
    RS Darius Drummond Sr. South Carolina State Asheville, N.C.

    *indicates tie

    Bethune-Cookman vs. South Carolina State–The best non-traditional rivalry in HBCU football???

    / J Bell / 2 Comments

    On the huntWhat a great time to be in the World’s Most Famous Beach.  The days are sunny, the nights are pleasant, and there is a tangible sensation of excitement permeating the air.  It is homecoming week at Bethune-Cookman University and the Wildcats are preparing to take on perennial MEAC power South Carolina State. 

    This matchup is special any time it’s played.  Adding the pageantry, expectations, and atmosphere of a  homecoming event to it as well as the stakes of first place in the league standings makes it epic.

    Non-Traditional Rivalry

    The BCU vs. SCSU annual showdown has become one of the best on-the-field rivalries (albeit a non-traditional one) in all of HBCU football.  There is no disdain for or hatred of the opposing team’s fan base.  There are no geographical wars over disputed lands of which to speak.  To the best of our knowledge, no grandkids have been written out of the Will for choosing the wrong side and no giant oak trees have been poisoned (sorry Auburn fans).   Instead, this rivalry evolved from intense, hard-hitting action on the field and the primal desire of 2 clans of alpha males slugging it out to prove that they are the MEAC’s top dog (or top cat if you prefer).

    SCSU standout defensive lineman Javon Hargrave stated he thinks about Bethune-Cookman a lot.   “The coaches keep saying how they’ve got us set up for homecoming,” Hargrave said. “We just don’t get along with Bethune-Cookman very well. South Carolina State and Bethune-Cookman is a rivalry.”

    Even Brian Jenkins ventured from his normal tight-lipped postgame rhetoric and repeatedly exclaimed his excitement about this weekend’s matchup after his team’s 48-21 dismantling of Savannah State.  Jenkins used the word “excited nine times in a 24 second span and stated  the game would be a “star-studded event.”

    DSC_0119These Games Matter

    Tradional HBCU rivalries like Jackson State vs. Tennessee State; Alabama State vs. Alabama A&M; and FAMU vs. Southern all draw much larger crowds, but when BCU and SCSU tangle the outcomes have an impact on the college football landscape.

    The winner of this game has gone on to win 4 of the last 5 MEAC championships.  They share 5 playoff appearances between themselves since 2008 and they have won 2 Black College National Championships in that same timeframe. BCU and SCSU were predicted to finish 1st and 2nd respectively by the league’s coaches and sports information directors at this year’s MEAC Media Luncheon.  They rank first and second in the league in Scoring Offense, Total Offense, Scoring Defense, and Total Defense.

    SCSU head coach Buddy Pough has won four MEAC crowns in 11 seasons and guided the Bulldogs to an all-time MEAC best 21 consecutive game conference win streak from 2007-2010.  In a twist of irony, BCU can match that mark this season if they win out and it was the Jenkins-led Wildcats who ended the Bulldogs win streak in Oliver Dawson Stadium in October of 2010.

    The Wildcats have won 2 MEAC titles in Brian Jenkins’ first 3 seasons.  Jenkins owns a 2-1 head-to-head advantage over Pough and BCU has won 9 of the past 15 matchups with SCSU.  The Wildcats are the only MEAC school to boast a winning record in Orangeburg during Pough’s tenure (3-1).  However, this game isn’t being played in South Cackalacky and the homefield has proven to be somewhat of a disadvantage in this matchup as of late.   The road team has inexplicably won 6 of the last 8 meetings in this contest.  In SCSU’s last visit to Municipal Stadium two years ago, they left with a 26-18 victory. 

    The 2011 loss suffered at the hands of the Bulldogs is the only MEAC home defeat on Jenkins’ record and it is all that separates coach Jenkins from earning 3 MEAC crowns in 3 years.  Saturday’s winner will earn sole possession of 1st place in the conference and gain a stronghold on the league’s automatic qualifier bid for postseason play.

    It’s Buddy vs. Brian; the 101 vs. the Pride; the old guard vs. the new; Big Dogs vs. Big Cats; South Carolina State vs. Bethune-Cookman.  It’s HBCU football at its best.

    So tell us what you think.  Has the BCU vs. SCSU matchup become the best non-traditional rivalry in HBCU football?